Is your Sub-Zero refrigerator displaying an error code? Sub-Zero refrigerators have built in diagnostic systems. If your refrigerator finds, sees, or detects a fault or error in the system, it will show an error or fault code. The error code will display either inside the refrigerator where the temp controls are or where the usual numbers are on the display screen. When an error code is displayed, your refrigerator is telling you a specific fault. If the error or fault is not fixable by you, it will require a repair technician.

here are many different model numbers of Sub-Zero refrigerators with digital displays so if you see an error code write down what is flashing or displaying. Don’t pull the power from the fridge if it shows an error code. If you pull the power plug it will erase the fault code.

EC40 or EC50 / Service Light Flashing

Cause of Error Code EC40: Freezer Excessive Compressor Running

Cause of Error Code EC50: Refrigerator Excessive Compressor Running

What you will see on your refrigerator: EC-40 and Service Flashing on control panel

What you will see on your refrigerator: EC-50 and Service Flashing on display

To CLEAR the error code and reset your refrigerator:
Press and hold the door ajar alarm key for 15 seconds to clear the code
If the error persists, then there is an issue with the refrigerator

How to fix Subzero EC 40 & EC 50 error codes:
1 – If temperatures are high and the door on your refrigerator has not been left open
Contact Sub-Zero factory service
2 – If the temperatures are near normal range:
a – Clean the condenser of dirt or dust
b – Press and hold the door ajar alarm key for 15 seconds to clear the error code
c – Make sure the kick plate is not covered or enclosed in custom cabinetry

If the error code returns or the temperatures rises, there is no further troubleshooting advice
Contact Sub-Zero factory service

SubZero error code inside fridge top panel
SubZero error code inner refrigerator on lcd screen

Sub-Zero 600 Series and 700 Series

Sub-Zero Error code: EC21EC24
Cause of error code: Defrost Functionality Issue
Solution 1: If temperatures are high call for service.
Solution 2: If temperatures are near normal range:
a – Clean the condenser
b – Press and hold the door ajar alarm key for 15 seconds to clear the error code
c – If EC Service light appears, or temperatures rise contact service for repair

Sub Zero Refrigerator 400-2 and 427r-2

Error Code:EE Service (Flashing)
Cause: Refrigerator compartment thermistor fault

Error Code:38 Service (Flashing)
Cause: Several excessive compressor run times or Sub Zero Refrigerator evaporator thermistor fault

Error Code:38 Service (Steady, not Flashing)
Cause: Several excessive compressor run times or Sub Zero Refrigerator evaporator thermistor fault

Solution: To clear errors, first fix or repair component then turn unit OFF and back ON

To clear the error code press bell ON/OFF key for 15 seconds

SubZero Refrigerator 600 Series (Before Serial #1810000)

Error Code:EE Service (Flashing) 38
Cause: SubZero Freezer compartment thermistor fault

Error Code:00 Service (Flashing) EE
Cause: SubZero Refrigerator compartment thermistor fault

Error Code:00 ICE (Flashing) 38
Cause: Water valve energizer longer than 15 seconds – Sub-Zero icemaker system disabled

A 45 minute halt time occurs each ice maker cycle (no power is going to icemaker)

To bypass 45 minute dwell switch the unit OFF then back ON

SubZero Refrigerator Freezer 600 Series (Starts With Serial #1810000)

Error Code:EE Service (Flashing) 38
Cause: SubZero Freezer compartment thermistor fault

Error Code:00 Service (Flashing) EE
Cause: SubZero Refrigerator compartment thermistor fault

Error Code:00 Service (Flashing) 38
Cause: Several excessive compressor run periods or SubZero refrigerator evaporator thermistor fault

Error Code:00 Ice (Flashing) 38
Cause: Water valve energized longer then 15 seconds – Sub-Zero icemaker system disabled

A 45 minute halt time occurs each ice maker cycle (no power is going to icemaker)

To bypass 45 minute dwell switch the unit OFF then back ON

Sub-Zero Refrigerator Freezer 600-2 SERIES

Error Code:EE Service (Flashing) 38
Cause: SubZero Freezer compartment thermistor fault

Error Code:00 Service (Flashing) EE
Cause: SubZero Refrigerator compartment thermistor fault

Error Code:00 Service (Flashing) 38
Cause: Several excessive compressor run periods or SubZero Refrigerator evaporator fault

Error Code:00 Ice (Flashing) 38
Cause: Water valve energized longer then 15 seconds, five consecutive times – Sub-Zero icemaker system disabled 24 hours each time

A 45 minute halt time occurs each ice maker cycle (no power is going to icemaker)

To bypass 45 minute dwell switch the unit OFF then back ON

Error Code:00 Service (Steady, not Flashing) 38
To clear error code press bell ON/OFF key for 15 seconds

SubZero Refrigerator Freezer 700 SERIES

Control is shut off. Press COLDER key to start the unit

Error Code:-20
-20 = Zone/Compartment thermistor fault – Repair wiring or replace thermistor

Error Code:55
55 = Zone/Compartment thermistor shorted – Repair wiring or replace thermistor

Error Code:Su
Su = Blue wire of display cable unhooked or faulty repair wiring

Error Code:-88
-88 = Red Wire of display cable unhooked or faulty, top lights are off and keys are inoperative repair wiring

Sub-Zero Refrigerator Freezer 700-2 SERIES (Tall Units)

Error Code:EE Service (Flashing) 38
Cause: SubZero Freezer compartment thermistor Fault

Error Code:00 Service (Flashing) EE
Cause: SubZero Refrigerator compartment thermistor fault

Error Code:00 Service (Flashing) 38
Cause: Several excessive compressor run periods or SubZero Refrigerator evaporator fault

Error Code:00 Ice (Flashing) 38
Cause: Water valve energized longer then 15 seconds – SubZero Icemaker system disabled

A 45 minute halt time occurs each ice maker cycle (no power is going to icemaker)

To bypass 45 minute dwell switch the unit OFF then back ON

SubZero Refrigerator Freezer 700-3 SERIES (TALL UNITS)

Error Code:EE Service (Flashing) 38
Cause: SubZero Freezer compartment thermistor fault

Error Code:00 Service (Flashing) EE
Cause: SubZero Refrigerator compartment thermistor fault

Error Code:00 Service (Flashing) 38
Cause: Several excessive compressor run period or SubZero Refrigerator evaporator thermistor fault

Error Code:00 Ice (Flashing) 38
Cause: Water valve energized longer then 15 seconds, five consecutive times – Icemaker system disabled 24 hours each time

A 45 minute halt time occurs each ice maker cycle (no power is going to icemaker)

To bypass 45 minute dwell switch the unit OFF then back ON

Error Code:00 Service (Steady, not Flashing) 38
To clear error code press bell ON/OFF key for 15 seconds

SubZero Refrigerator Evaporator Repair & Replacement – Not cooling defrosting
Sub-Zero Refrigerator not cooling – dirty condenser – compressor overheating
DIY Sub Zero Refrigerator Icemaker Repair
SubZero fridge front display dispenser

Do you know of any other Sub-Zero refrigerator error codes we have not mentioned or are you having trouble with your Sub Zero fridge? Please leave a question or comment below and we can assist – How to fix? by HoustonAuthorizedRepair.com